The 2025 fantasy football season may still be months away, but it's never too early to start preparing. While the upcoming NFL Draft promises several talented running back prospects, we shouldn't overlook the emerging stars already making waves in the league. Here’s a look at five promising running backs who could have breakout performances next year. These players showed flashes of brilliance during their rookie seasons and are poised for even greater success as they step into larger roles.

Promising Sophomores Set to Shine

Several second-year players are expected to elevate their game in 2025. One standout is Bucky Irving from Tampa Bay, who finished his rookie year on a high note. Over the final seven weeks, he consistently delivered strong performances, averaging nearly 17 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Another player to watch is Tank Bigsby of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the team's struggles, Bigsby demonstrated potential with occasional week-winning performances. If the Jaguars trade Travis Etienne Jr., Bigsby could become the primary starter, opening up more opportunities for him to shine.

Bucky Irving's performance in the latter part of his rookie season was nothing short of impressive. He emerged as a top-six running back in fantasy rankings over the final seven games, showcasing his ability to deliver consistent production. His average of 16.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game highlights his potential for an even stronger sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, Tank Bigsby faced challenges with a struggling offense but managed to outperform Travis Etienne Jr. in key metrics. With Etienne potentially leaving the team, Bigsby stands a good chance of becoming the go-to running back for the Jaguars, setting the stage for a breakout season.

Rookies Poised for Increased Roles

Some rookies who had limited opportunities this year could see expanded roles in 2025. Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills, while primarily supporting James Cook, showed promise when given more carries. Similarly, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers, despite being sidelined by injuries, is set to take over as Josh Jacobs' backup. Lastly, Audric Estime of the Denver Broncos, who played well toward the end of the season, could emerge as a key player if the team adds a new explosive runner in the draft.

Ray Davis, although overshadowed by James Cook, demonstrated his value when given more playing time. In three games where he received double-digit rushing attempts, Davis averaged an impressive 14.5 fantasy points per game. This suggests that he could provide consistent flex value next season if given a larger role. Meanwhile, MarShawn Lloyd, hindered by injuries in his rookie year, is likely to become Josh Jacobs' primary backup. The workload distribution in Green Bay could benefit Lloyd, especially considering Jacobs' heavy usage this past season. Finally, Audric Estime of the Denver Broncos showed significant improvement toward the end of the year, averaging 8.1 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks. With Javonte Williams possibly moving on, Estime could assume a prominent role in the backfield, much like how Mark Ingram thrived under Sean Payton's guidance.